Abstract
Teaching college students to think creatively is vital to preparing them to solve complex challenges in the 4IR world (Burnett & Fitzgerald Cabra, 2024), but only 56% of employers in a survey believed that recent graduates possess the creativity skills necessary for the workforce (Canva, 2024). This highlights a creative thinking skill gap between postsecondary education practices and workforce needs. Research is limited on the best way that faculty -- and higher education overall -- can promote and support creative thinking development in college students. The purpose of this applied dissertation was to examine evidence on the need to develop creative thinking in undergraduate students with the goal of raising awareness and formulating strategies for faculty to use in teaching. Based on a review of theory, research, and best practices, recommendations in the form of creative thinking development guidelines were developed to support infusing creative thinking into college classrooms. Strategies offered for faculty include design thinking and creating class activities. The recommendations are accompanied by a process model illustrating the integration of creative thinking development into an existing undergraduate curriculum via a pilot program. The pilot is recommended for a single academic department at one university but would be adaptable to larger settings.